Study Guide for "Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ"

In his General Conference address, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles draws upon the powerful Old Testament story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal to emphasize the importance of unwavering faith in God. Elder Christofferson encourages members to be firm and steadfast in their faith, making the gospel of Jesus Christ the defining focus of their lives. He provides modern-day examples of individuals who have remained steadfast in their faith amid trials and challenges, illustrating the blessings that come from such dedication.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the significance of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in relation to faith?
How can personal revelation strengthen your testimony of gospel truths?
What does it mean to be "firm and steadfast" in the faith of Christ?
How can trials and tribulations lead to spiritual growth and conversion?
What practical steps can you take to develop a Christ-centered life?

Topics

Decide Once and For All

Elder Christofferson begins by recounting the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, emphasizing the need to make a decisive commitment to God. He draws parallels to modern-day decisions about faith in God, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith.

How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.

Either God, our Heavenly Father, exists, or He does not, but if He exists, worship Him.

Either Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the resurrected Redeemer of mankind, or He is not, but if He is, follow Him.

What was the challenge Elijah presented to the people of Israel?
How does Elder Christofferson apply Elijah's challenge to us today?
Have you made a decisive commitment to follow God and Jesus Christ? What prompted that decision?
How can you strengthen your commitment to gospel principles in your daily life?

Personal Revelation and Witness

Elder Christofferson emphasizes the importance of personal revelation in gaining a testimony of gospel truths. He quotes President Russell M. Nelson and the Apostle James to highlight the necessity of seeking wisdom and revelation with faith and without wavering.

Through personal revelation, you can receive your own witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this is the Lord’s Church.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

What does President Nelson say about personal revelation?
How does James describe a person who wavers in faith?
What experiences have you had with personal revelation?
How can you increase your faith to receive more personal revelation?

Becoming Firm and Steadfast

Elder Christofferson discusses the characteristics of those who are firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ. He explains that the gospel must penetrate one's heart and soul, becoming the defining focus of one's life. He also highlights the importance of keeping covenants with exactness.

They "were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable."

To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate one’s heart and soul.

What does it mean for the gospel to penetrate one's heart and soul?
How does keeping covenants with exactness help us remain firm in the faith?
In what ways can you allow the gospel to become the defining focus of your life?
How can you improve in keeping your covenants with exactness?

Enduring Trials with Faith

Elder Christofferson shares examples of individuals who have remained steadfast in their faith despite significant trials. He emphasizes that enduring trials with faith in God brings comfort, peace, and hope, transforming trials into blessings.

Remaining firm in the faith of Christ will bring His sustaining grace and support.

He will convert trial into blessing and, in Isaiah’s words, "give … beauty for ashes."

What are some of the benefits of enduring trials with faith?
How did the individuals Elder Christofferson mentioned demonstrate steadfast faith?
What trials have you faced, and how has your faith helped you endure them?
How can you strengthen your faith to better endure future trials?

Conversion and Healing

Elder Christofferson explains that temptations and tribulations can lead to full conversion and healing if we do not harden our hearts. He encourages members to remain firm and steadfast to achieve the conversion and sanctification intended by the Savior.

The temptations and tribulations we experience, plus any testing that the Lord sees fit to impose, can lead to our full conversion and healing.

If we remain firm and steadfast, come what may, we achieve the conversion the Savior intended when He said to Peter, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

What role do temptations and tribulations play in our conversion and healing?
How can we avoid hardening our hearts during difficult times?
How have you seen trials lead to your own spiritual growth and healing?
What steps can you take to remain firm and steadfast in your faith, regardless of circumstances?